Tenant requesting reduction in rent

[TattyCat]

Just need to check whether IABU.

Our tenant has rented for around 15 months. A few months ago, she complained of a damp patch in the kitchen, so we've had investigations and this has included knocking plaster off the wall, removing the radiator and applying damp proofing. We are awaiting the plaster drying before the radiator can go back on. Just as a note, the house is REALLY warm and this radiator is one I generally had switched off, or on low when I lived there as the kitchen gets hot.

Anyway, tenant has a dog and a few months ago requested permission for a cat, both of which are fine with us and we've always wanted to be flexible. Tenant is now pushing quite hard for a £50 reduction in rent because of the inconvenience of the work being done (albeit it makes the place better!). This work is costing the equivalent of 2 months rent but clearly, we also want to maintain the property so I don't suppose this is relevant.

IABU in saying 'no'?

"A landlord giving money to a tenant to pay for their move? shock"

I wouldn't normally suggest that, but OP was saying she'd avoid selling so that the tenant didn't have to move on so I suggested a solution.

"the two radiators are actually excessive. It really does render one redundant"

Remember that people in flats often have to use radiators to dry clothes as well. Mine are useful for that even in the summer when they're not on.

Drying clothes on radiators can cause mold and flakey paint behind the radiator.

Use or misuse of the radiators by the tenant was not the cause of the flakey paint in this case. The tenant didn't cause the problem.

With regards to selling while in situ:

I rented a few years back from a landlady who owned the property with her husband. They were decent, property was OK. Her husband died unexpectedly and one of the first things she did was to come round and explain to us that she had to sell and how did we want to go about it, would we prefer to move Before she sold or allow viewings (actually she offered us the property to buy at a discount..) she didn’t give us an ‘out by x’ date it was all very civilised.

Good relations are important if you have a good tenant (we were good tenants, the place was clean, no pets, no smoking and no noise issues, I even sorted the rather tatty back garden out for her.)

We appreciated the notice and decided to move, but she gave us sufficient time to do that and was flexible on move out dates (not charging a full months rent.)

I would put some time into seeing how fast properties in your area sell. Then I’d go and talk to her about what she would prefer - x amount of notice to move or a reduced rent while viewings take place and a potentially short move out time.

I always treated anybproperty I was in with respect, however I have had friends who have had tenants wreck places so I think you were right to keep the goodwill with a one off payment. Keep it up further by having open communication with her about selling, and provide her a reference if needed

Sorry meant to say that the open communication turned what could have been an awful experience (needing to move at short notice with the feeling of being kicked out) into one that actually benefitted is (we found a smashing little place that was just perfect.)

You’ve been decent so far OP, just keep it up and all will be well

"Drying clothes on radiators can cause mold and flakey paint behind the radiator."

Yes, but if you live in a flat with no dryer and no access to a washing line, it's unavoidable.

I have't read all the replies but she sounds like quite an inexperienced renter to me. A landlord who fixes things quickly and allows pets is sadly a rarity. Although of course this is how it should be.

If I was her I'd be doing nothing to discourage you from doing work!

If you have an agent, be aware that the standard contract often includes a clause saying you'd need to pay them commission if you sell to your tenant. This can be negotiated!

OP if you're selling your home just give her Notice To Quit - you must know how to do that, you're a landlord. What is all this unnecessary faff about? Just say no the the reduction, as you've sorted the issue . She'd not try that on with another landlord I bet. Then when you're ready serve Notice.

You're surely not planning to have house viewings whilst she's there are you?! There's being loathe to pull the rug out from someone and there's acting like she's the landlord and you are the tenant. If she's not pleased with you, you can imagine what her stance will be towards any viewers. If she even lets them in, that is. You'll find it hard pushed to sell.

You're not offering her a home for life. At all. So just get on with what you need to do.

If she doesn't want to move after Notice expiry you'll have to pursue a Possession Order. Life and being a landlord isn't always pretty. It's nice to have the rental money but there are other things to take into consideration and unfortunately no matter how hard you try, they won't always be suitable for the tenant.